Hamilton Southeastern graduate and 2012 Indiana Mr. Basketball Gary Harris was formally inducted into the Hamilton County Basketball Hall of Fame last Saturday, just before tipoff of the Royals’ boys game with Mount Vernon.
Harris is one of the best players to come out of Southeastern, helping the Royals to two sectional championships. As a junior, he led the Royals to a 20-4 record and an appearance in the IHSAA regional final, then as a senior helped Southeastern to a 22-3 record.
Harris finished his high school career with 1,540 points (then a school record), 467 rebounds, 232 assists and 232 steals. In addition to earning Mr. Basketball honors, he was an Indiana All-Star, McDonald’s All-American, Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year and Parade All-American.
After playing two seasons at Michigan State University, where he earned numerous honors, Harris was selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He was immediate traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he played for six seasons. Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic during his seventh season and is still playing there today. Harris’ career average is 11.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Harris was unable to attend the ceremony due to his NBA schedule, but his family was there to accept the award on his behalf. That included his mother Joy Harris, who told Gary after she received the news from HSE athletic director Greg Habegger.
“He’s very appreciative of this honor,” said Joy Harris.
Gary Harris has given back to the community as well, running basketball camps for young players.
“He’s definitely invested in the community,” said Joy Harris.